K 817: Honoring Gary Edwin Robinson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented at the Tony Awards on June 8, 2025

 Assembly Resolution No. 817 BY: M. of A. Zinerman HONORING Gary Edwin Robinson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented at the Tony Awards on June 8, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend individuals whose commitment and creative talents have contributed to the advancement of education and the enrichment of the cultural and artistic life of the community; and WHEREAS, The Arts, and in particular Theatre Arts, are an integral part of academic growth and personal development for students across New York State and the Nation; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gary Edwin Robinson, esteemed educator and head of the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York, upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Tony Awards in New York City; and WHEREAS, The Excellence in Theatre Education Award, co-founded by Carnegie Mellon University, the American Theatre Wing, and The Broadway League, annually honors a K-12 theatre educator in the United States who demonstrates exceptional commitment, innovation, and impact on students' lives through theatre education; and WHEREAS, Gary Edwin Robinson's unwavering dedication to his students, particularly those from underserved communities, has helped transform the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School into a dynamic, life-changing experience, where students are introduced to real-world opportunities, artistic expression, and technical excellence; and WHEREAS, Gary Edwin Robinson teaches five drama classes daily, offering nearly 100 students a comprehensive, three-year sequence of arts education that integrates both practical theatre experience and academic rigor; and WHEREAS, Through his leadership in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, Gary Edwin Robinson has created access to opportunities for students to engage directly with Broadway professionals, gaining technical and soft skills, as well as the confidence to pursue careers in theatre or other chosen fields; and WHEREAS, As part of this esteemed award, Gary Edwin Robinson will receive $10,000 to support the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School, in addition to tickets to the Tony Awards and Gala, and a visiting Master Class for his students taught by Carnegie Mellon University Drama professors; and WHEREAS, A proud alumnus of Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, where he focused on music and the arts, Gary Edwin Robinson went on to study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem before earning his bachelor's degree in theater education from Howard University; and WHEREAS, In 2023, Gary Edwin Robinson received an honorable mention in the education category at the Tony Awards, further affirming his excellence and continued impact in arts education; and WHEREAS, The leadership of Carnegie Mellon University has recognized Gary Edwin Robinson's profound and inspiring commitment to empowering the next generation of artists, both on and off the stage, and has celebrated his lasting impact on arts education and his efforts to equip students with the skills, confidence, and community essential for lifelong success; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such creative energy, passion, and commitment are brought to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Gary Edwin Robinson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, commending his outstanding contributions to theatre education, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting and inspiring New York City's youth through the arts; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Gary Edwin Robinson.